Explosia a.s. (Semtex)

Explosia a.s. is a prominent Czech chemical company based in Pardubice-Semtín, globally recognized for inventing the plastic explosive Semtex. Established in 1920 as the Czechoslovak Explosives Joint-Stock Company, its primary goal was to secure the ammunition independence of the newly formed state. In the 1950s, chemist Stanislav Brebera developed Semtex, a plastic explosive that became famous for its malleability and reliability across a wide range of temperatures. The name Semtex is a portmanteau derived from the factory's location, Semtín, and the company name, Explosia. The extensive manufacturing site comprises numerous specialized laboratories and production units for both civilian and military applications. Beyond explosives, the company now produces propellants for various ammunition types and specialized chemicals for the mining and construction sectors. Explosia operates under strict international oversight and security protocols to prevent the misuse of its high-energy products. Despite historical controversies surrounding the brand, the company continues to be a technological leader in the field of energetic materials and industrial chemistry.

Nearby cities

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Pardubice is a major industrial and transport hub in eastern Bohemia, widely known for its traditional gingerbread and horse racing.

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Přelouč

A historic town on the banks of the Elbe River in the Pardubice Region.

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A historic royal town in Bohemia with the largest square-shaped main square in the Czech Republic.

Čáslav

A historic town in Central Bohemia with one of the largest squares in Europe.

Rychnov nad Kněžnou

A charming town in the Orlické Mountains, renowned for its splendid Baroque chateau and rich history.

Kutná Hora

Kutná Hora was one of the wealthiest and most important cities in the Bohemian kingdom during the Middle Ages, thanks to its silver mines.

Jaroměř

Discover Jaroměř, a historic town at the confluence of three rivers, famed for its Josefov fortress.

Hořice

Hořice is located in the Hradec Králové Region.

Ústí nad Orlicí

Ústí nad Orlicí is located in the Pardubice Region at the confluence of the Tichá Orlice and Třebovka rivers.

Kolín

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Dvůr Králové nad Labem

Dvůr Králové nad Labem is located in the Hradec Králové Region.

Havlíčkův Brod

Havlíčkův Brod is located on the Sázava River in the Vysočina Region and is named after the Czech writer Karel Havlíček Borovský.

Česká Třebová

Česká Třebová is a major railway hub in the Pardubice Region of the Czech Republic, featuring a charming historic centre and a scenic nat…

History & landmarks

Kunětická hora Castle

An imposing castle ruin on a prominent hill near Pardubice.

Sedlec Ossuary

A world-famous chapel in Kutná Hora decorated with the bones of over 40,000 people.

Litomyšl

Home to a UNESCO-listed castle and the birthplace of Bedřich Smetana, featuring stunning Renaissance architecture.

Lipnice Castle

One of the largest Gothic castles in Bohemia, built in the 14th century.

Zruč nad Sázavou Castle

A medieval castle later converted into a chateau.

Nature

Devet skal

Devet skal is the highest peak of the Zdarske vrchy (Zdár Highlands), standing at 836 meters.

Velka Destna

Velka Destna is the highest peak of the Eagle Mountains, standing at 1,115 meters.

More places

Petrof Pianos Factory

Petrof in Hradec Králové is the largest manufacturer of acoustic grand and upright pianos in Europe.

Iron Mountains

The Iron Mountains are a geologically diverse range in East Bohemia.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Czech Kolín

Formerly known as TPCA, this plant in Kolín is now fully owned by Toyota.

Kuks Hospital

A monumental Baroque complex founded in the early 18th century by Count Sporck.

Králové Battlefield

Scene of significant historical battles during the Hussite Wars.

Prim Watches Factory

The manufacture in Nové Město nad Metují is known for producing high-quality mechanical wristwatches.

Zoo Dvůr Králové

Famous for its African theme and one of the largest collections of African animals in Europe.

Kolin Battlefield

Site of the 1757 Battle of Kolin during the Seven Years' War, where the Austrian army defeated Frederick the Great.